Following a contentious interaction with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in February 2025, Vice President JD Vance has hinted at an improvement in the diplomatic relations between the United States and Ukraine.
In an interview on The New York Post’s “Pod Force One” podcast in late October, the vice president reflected on the incident that occurred eight months ago in the Oval Office, which gained international notoriety and influenced the Trump administration’s strategy towards the ongoing Russian-Ukrainian conflict. “We have turned over a new leaf,” said Vance to Post columnist Miranda Devine.
President Donald Trump and Zelensky exhibited optimism about a potential peace agreement to conclude the Russian-Ukrainian war during Zelensky’s visit to Mar-a-Lago on Sunday, December 28. “We had a terrific meeting,” Trump stated post the Sunday meeting. “I do think we’re getting a lot closer, maybe very close.”
The February 28 Oval Office meeting, initially called to discuss continued U.S. support for Ukraine and a mineral resources agreement, ended abruptly without a resolution, and was marred by a heated public argument between Vance and Zelensky – a situation considered unprecedented for a meeting between an American president and a foreign head of state.
During this meeting, Vance suggested “diplomacy” as a solution to the conflict, which Zelensky questioned, citing Russia’s history of broken agreements. Vance responded sharply, accusing Zelensky of disrespecting the United States by arguing in front of the American media.
The situation escalated when Vance demanded appreciation from Zelensky for the U.S. and President Trump’s efforts to aid Ukraine. Following this, Trump issued an ultimatum for a deal, threatening to withdraw U.S. support otherwise. The meeting concluded with the cancellation of a planned press conference and Zelensky being asked to leave the White House.
Looking back at the confrontation on the podcast, Vance described it as “probably the most famous thing I’ve ever done, or maybe ever will do.” He denied any premeditation for the confrontation with Zelensky, although he acknowledged his irritation due to perceived rudeness.
The meeting at Mar-a-Lago in December 2025, which included Trump, Zelensky, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and other officials, focused on Zelensky’s revised 20-point peace plan. They reportedly addressed “95 percent” of the problems required to conclude the war, but territorial issues remain a significant hurdle.
Zelensky expressed his gratitude to Trump and his team for the negotiations, posting on X: “Together, we must – and can – implement our vision for the sequencing of steps toward peace.” He added that teams would meet in the coming weeks, possibly at the White House, to finalize matters discussed at Mar-a-Lago.
This positive shift in tone significantly deviates from earlier instances where Trump labeled Zelensky a “dictator” and inaccurately accused Ukraine of initiating the war. Vance stated on the podcast that the Trump administration is seeking productive relationships with both Ukraine and Russia to resolve the conflict.
On the same podcast, Vance also addressed President Trump’s proposal of him potentially forming an “unstoppable” Republican ticket with Rubio in 2028. Vance revealed that Trump had first mentioned this possibility during a private lunch in April 2025.
Vance, 41, counts Rubio, 54, as his closest ally within the administration, and they regularly meet to discuss foreign policy challenges. Polls indicate Vance leads early 2028 Republican presidential primary surveys by a substantial margin.
Despite his early lead in the polls, Vice President Vance insists his current priority is addressing the affordability crisis and supporting President Trump’s agenda. “I have never woken up thinking about how to become president,” he said.
